Truman Orthodontics FAQ

Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?

Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?Truman Orthodontics2017-04-13T18:06:18+00:00

No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.

At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?

At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?Truman Orthodontics2017-04-13T18:05:51+00:00

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition.

No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.

How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?

How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?Truman Orthodontics2017-04-13T18:05:06+00:00

If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office, send us an e-mail or fill out our appointment request form online. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you.

What will happen at the initial examination appointment?

What will happen at the initial examination appointment?Truman Orthodontics2017-04-13T18:04:24+00:00

Upon arriving, each patient and parent will be seen by the staff and doctor who will acclimate you to our office and prepare for the initial exam. We will take the necessary photographs and X-rays to allow us to make a proper diagnosis. The doctor will then complete a brief, but thorough, exam.

Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is usually not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.

Treatment time depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. The doctor will give you his best estimate at your consultation appointment.

How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?

How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?Truman Orthodontics2017-04-13T18:02:45+00:00

It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you. We will cover the exact cost and financial options during the initial examination. We have many financing options available to accommodate your needs, and we will review these with you. We will also review your insurance policy and help to maximize your benefit and file your claims.

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every six weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.

Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?

Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?Truman Orthodontics2017-04-13T18:01:49+00:00

You can schedule the majority of your appointments after school for your convenience. Some appointments such as putting braces on, taking braces off, and some repairs are scheduled between 7am-3pm so we can allow the extra time it takes to provide proper treatment. We will always make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.

Yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check in with their patient manager before dropping off their child.

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.

Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day – after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces and this should be done on a daily basis.

What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?

What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?Truman Orthodontics2017-04-13T17:56:26+00:00

If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone or you can visit our Emergency Info page. We are always available for an emergency appointment if necessary.

Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?

Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?Truman Orthodontics2017-04-13T17:55:35+00:00

Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient’s growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.

Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment lasts about one year. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image.

Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?

Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?Truman Orthodontics2017-04-13T17:54:37+00:00

It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment is called the “resting period,” during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.

At the completion of the initial examination, we will determine whether a patient will need an expander.

Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?

Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?Truman Orthodontics2017-04-13T17:53:37+00:00

A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is “too old” to wear braces!

Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?

Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?Truman Orthodontics2017-04-13T17:52:38+00:00

Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.

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We are delighted to answer any questions you may have before, during, or after your visit with us.